Hands-On Learning: Growing Skilled Talent Through Apprenticeships

In a rapidly changing workforce landscape, apprenticeships are emerging as a powerful bridge between education and employment. These earn-while-you-learn programs provide hands-on experience, practical skills, and industry-recognized credentials, helping address critical shortages in fields like construction, manufacturing, and the skilled trades. As both employers and employees look for new ways to develop talent and close the skills gap, apprenticeships offer a proven model for success—one that benefits individuals, businesses, and local communities alike. 

On episode 207 of the Iowa Workforce Development podcast, Kent Heronimus, Technical Training Manager at Interstates, shares first-hand insight into how Interstates invests in apprenticeships to nurture the next generation of skilled workers. The conversation covers the need for new approaches to workforce development, the structure of Interstates’ programs, and Kent’s advice for both organizations and future apprentices. 

The Demand for Skilled Labor 

Kent opens by painting the current landscape: “Right now, there’s a real shortage of skilled tradespeople. The need is only increasing as our projects get more complex and as experienced workers retire.” He continues, “We see apprenticeships as a critical tool—it’s how we connect young people to meaningful work and close the talent gap in our industry.” 

The Apprenticeship Advantage 

As many industries face challenges in finding skilled labor, Interstates has leaned into apprenticeships as a proven solution. Kent highlighted, “There’s a huge demand in the trades, and we need to find ways of drawing people in, getting them experience, and setting them up for success.” He emphasized how apprenticeships can be a win-win: providing employers with a pipeline of skilled workers and giving trainees hands-on, paid experience. 

A Structured Approach to Learning 

Kent explained Interstates’ commitment to building robust training programs. “We’ve developed structured curriculums that not only meet state and national requirements but also set our apprentices up to succeed in the field,” he said. This means blending classroom instruction with real-world application: “They’re not just sitting in a classroom. Our apprentices are out on job sites, learning from mentors, solving real problems, and contributing to projects from day one.” 

Changing Perceptions 

A recurring theme in the conversation was the need to shift how society views skilled trades. Kent noted, “A lot of people still see the trades as a ‘fallback.’ We want to flip that script—to show that being an electrician or a technician is a solid, respectable career with plenty of growth.” Interstates actively works with high schools, community colleges, and workforce agencies to increase awareness of apprenticeship pathways. “We’re reaching out to students as young as middle school to help them see the possibilities. It’s about planting the seed early,” he adds. 

Results that Speak Volumes 

Kent points to clear, positive outcomes: “We’ve increased apprentice retention rates by over 20% in the last five years. Our team members advance faster and stay longer when they come up through the apprenticeship.” On personal growth, he shares, “It’s rewarding to watch someone start as a brand-new apprentice and, a few years later, see them running big jobs or mentoring others.” He attributed this to fostering a culture where growth and learning are baked into every level of the organization. “When apprentices see a future here, when they see opportunities to move up, it changes everything.” 

Advice for Organizations and Aspiring Apprentices 

Kent’s advice for companies considering apprenticeships is simple: “Start small, but start now. You don’t need a massive program out of the gate—you just need commitment and a willingness to invest in people.” For career-changers and young people weighing their options, he added, “Don’t discount the trades. With an apprenticeship, you’re making money while you learn, earning certifications, and building a career from the ground up.” 

Through initiatives led by leaders like Kent Heronimus, Interstates not only fills immediate talent gaps but sets the standard for workforce development in technical trades. Their approach demonstrates the power and potential of apprenticeships in shaping not only careers but industries as a whole. As Kent sums up: “If you invest in people, you’re never really taking a risk. You’re just building the future.” 

Interested in working at Interstates? You can find apprenticeships and other opportunities on our careers page. 

You can listen to the full podcast here.